The Grey Heart

This gripping novel is the first in a planned trilogy following a diverse cast of characters, all fighting for the same goal—peace and safety in a fractured world. Duke’s historical fiction narrative explores the modern warrior through true stories of a Marine, a Kurdish fighter, an Iranian assassin, a New Orleans detective, and a Ugandan child soldier. He takes readers across the globe, giving voice to those on the front lines—in the trenches, in the chaos of war, and in the struggle for justice. The Grey Heart brings to light what it truly means to fight, survive, and lose yourself in battle.

“My greatest hope in writing this trilogy is to help other veterans heal from war,” said Duke, a Marine veteran who served three tours in Iraq and spent a year with Triple Canopy, a private security company founded by U.S. Army Special Forces veterans. “I want to encourage readers to see the bigger picture and unite behind a common cause. Despite our many cultures, we’re not so different on a fundamental level.”

“Written with unflinching honesty and great detail, this gritty action thriller gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at modern warfare—not through the lens of politics or ideology, but through the personal cost to those who live it,” said Chris Schafer, CEO at Tactical 16 Publishing.